Surgical Technologist: Online Certificate Program

Join the fast-paced, rewarding medical field as a surgical technologist. By supporting surgeons in the operating room, you’ll support positive patient outcomes and gain skills needed to launch your career in healthcare — without years of schooling.

a women wearing scrubs working on a medical equipment.
a women wearing scrubs getting tools ready for surgery

This Surgical Technologist Certificate Program is a great fit for:

  • Individuals interested in a career in healthcare
  • Recent high school graduates
  • Any student, healthcare professional, or aspiring healthcare worker who’s looking to join a booming field with opportunities for growth

About the Online Surgical Technologist Certificate Program

COURSE LENGTH icon

COURSE LENGTH

18 weeks

TIME COMMITMENT icon

TIME COMMITMENT

16 Hours Per Week

TUITION icon

TUITION

$4,000*

*You can pay as little as $261 per month. For full payment options and different financing plans, including interest rates from external lenders, please talk to our enrollment team.

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, work alongside surgeons, nurses and other healthcare professionals during a surgical operation. You’ll make good money working in a fast-paced, stimulating environment that is not for the faint of heart. Surgical technologists are exposed to intense medical situations and must remain calm in high-stress, life-or-death scenarios. You must be prepared to work in these extreme environments.

The surgical technologist program provides students with hands-on learning experiences. Surgical procedures are demonstrated using virtual tools or live-recorded video and are simulated — allowing you to immerse yourself in a virtual experience that is engaging, safe and repeatable.

This program prepares students to become Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Professionals who earn the NCCT designation have the clinical skills and knowledge for maintaining asepsis during surgery, anticipating the surgeon’s needs and remaining attentive to all aspects of the surgical procedure to ensure a safe environment for the patient.

Surgical Technologist Fast Facts

9,600

NUMBER OF SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST JOB OPENINGS PER YEAR

Career Paths

STERILE PROCESSING TECHNICIAN
CENTRAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PREPARER
SURGICAL ASSISTANT
SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
REGISTERED NURSE

Surgical technologists in the 90th percentile of earners in their field make more than $30 per hour.

-Bureau of Labor Statistics

Interested in a healthcare career, but not sure where to start?

Download our FREE Finding My Career Path Guide. This PDF (5-min read) is packed with all the resources you need to make an informed decision about your future: 

  • A sample profile of a healthcare job, including salary and job outlook through 2031. 
  • A “Day in the Life” job description to help you picture yourself working your new healthcare career. 
  • The 10 questions you need to ask yourself to determine if healthcare is right for you.





an illustration of a male doctor and male nurse talking in a surgery room.

Related Certificate Programs at St. Ambrose University

A woman wearing scrubs looks at a computer screen.

Begin a rewarding career as a valued member of the healthcare team, assisting physicians and delivering compassionate care to patients.

Medical Assistant
a man wearing light personal protective equipment cleaning medical tools.

Enter the sterile world of surgical instruments, where cleanliness, functionality, and safety help produce optimal patient care.

Sterile Processing Technician

Is this Surgical Technologist Certificate Program right for me? 

If you have some or many of the following personality traits, abilities or desires, a career as a surgical technologist may be a great fit!

  • Are you a good communicator who can work well with a team?  
  • Are you detail-oriented, precise and able to follow instructions carefully?  
  • Are you dexterous and comfortable working with your hands to prepare medical areas for patients?  
  • Do you have the physical stamina needed to be on your feet frequently? 

Why Choose St. Ambrose University?

The Surgical Technologist Certificate Program at St. Ambrose University offers students:

  • Flexible scheduling options, which allow you to balance your studies with personal commitments. 
  • A program with an emphasis on professionalism, ethics and patient-centered care.
  • Affordable tuition fees and financing options for those who qualify.
  • Convenient and accessible learning from anywhere in the U.S. — without geographical constraints.
  • Supportive online community and resources for networking and career development.

Inquire Today

Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!

Thank you for your interest, you have an exciting journey ahead!

Schedule a call with your Workforce Development Specialist!